Advisor Information

Dr. Sara Myers

Location

Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library

Presentation Type

Poster

Start Date

2-3-2018 10:45 AM

End Date

2-3-2018 12:00 PM

Abstract

The ankle joint is one of the most important for walking, producing 35-45% of the summed ankle, knee, and hip positive mechanical work for each stride. Ankle weakness results in reduced torque and power production, leading to slower self-selected speed. Slower preferred walking speed correlates with poorer physical function, health status, more disabilities, and increased medical-surgical visits. Many orthotic and exoskeletal devices have been created to restore proper ankle function by promoting ankle plantar flexion. This study assessed the effects of the Astro XO Exoskeleton (AXO) on ankle kinetics and kinematics for healthy, young individuals. The study demonstrated that wearing the AXO device during treadmill walking does not produce significant changes in ankle joint angle, but decreases peak ankle moment and increases peak ankle power, shifting peak energy generation to earlier in stance.

Included in

The ankle joint is one of the most important for walking, producing 35-45% of the summed ankle, knee, and hip positive mechanical work for each stride. Ankle weakness results in reduced torque and power production, leading to slower self-selected speed. Slower preferred walking speed correlates with poorer physical function, health status, more disabilities, and increased medical-surgical visits. Many orthotic and exoskeletal devices have been created to restore proper ankle function by promoting ankle plantar flexion. This study assessed the effects of the Astro XO Exoskeleton (AXO) on ankle kinetics and kinematics for healthy, young individuals. The study demonstrated that wearing the AXO device during treadmill walking does not produce significant changes in ankle joint angle, but decreases peak ankle moment and increases peak ankle power, shifting peak energy generation to earlier in stance.